A corrections officer is a person who works in a prison and is in charge of the inmates. Correction officers, also known as detention officers, are in charge of enforcing rules, supervising activities, and ensuring that everything runs smoothly. They frequently work long hours, and the work can be hazardous. A corrections officer must be able to restrain a prisoner, who is usually unarmed, for several minutes until more help arrives, so he or she must be in excellent physical condition to perform the job.
Before being hired as a correction officer, most local and county prisons only require a high school diploma and the passing of a civil service exam. Physical, psychological, and drug testing may be required in some states. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have never been convicted of a felony. Before hiring new correction officers, many states conduct a criminal background check.
The first step after deciding to become a corrections officer is to start working on the physical requirements. The majority of physical tests require you to drag a heavy weight, race through an obstacle course, and climb up and down stairs in a specific amount of time. There is usually a running test as well. Being in excellent physical condition is a must before beginning work in a correctional facility, as it allows you to respond quickly and safely in the event of an emergency.
Many states, especially for positions in state or federal prisons, require applicants to have a certain number of college credit hours in order to apply. Candidates for federal prisons must have a bachelor’s degree or at least three years of relevant experience. Corrections officers can advance their careers by earning a degree in criminal justice, social sciences, or criminology. A correctional facility should always be on the lookout for new information.
The next step in becoming a corrections officer is to pass the civil service exam, which is required in most states after receiving a degree or certificate in a relevant field. The three-hour exam for corrections officers assesses memory, reasoning, observation, special and visual abilities, as well as concepts in officer-inmate relations. Applicants must score 70 out of 100 in most areas to pass.
The majority of prisons have websites where corrections officers can apply for jobs. More testing and interviews may be required as part of the application process to ensure that the applicant is a good fit for the job. Most correctional facilities require new officers to complete a training program after they are hired. This program will teach officers how to handle any situation they may encounter on the job, preparing them for what they will be doing as part of their duties.
The number of employed corrections officers in the United States is expected to increase, making it an excellent field to enter. There are nearly limitless opportunities for advancement and transfers, and the pay is typically higher than in many similar fields. It is not difficult to become a corrections officer, and there are recruitment programs and special incentives available nationwide to encourage people to apply.